The Chevron Championship stands out as the opening women’s major of the 2026 golf season, and it brings a blend of history, tradition, and high‑stakes competition that makes it a must‑watch event for fans and players alike. Below is an expanded overview that covers the tournament’s heritage, the venue shift to Houston, the ways players earn a spot in the field, the top contenders, and how you can catch every moment on Sky Sports. ### A Brief History and Why the Chevron Championship Matters Although the Chevron Championship is the third‑oldest of the five women’s majors—trailing only the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship—it only earned major‑status in 1983.
The 2026 edition marks the 56th running of the tournament, a testament to its longevity and growing prestige. The event awards the Dinah Shore Trophy, named after the beloved singer‑actress who was an avid golfer and helped launch the competition in 1972.
Over the decades the tournament has evolved from a modest 54‑hole competition into a marquee fixture with one of the largest prize pools on the LPGA Tour. ### The New Home: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston For the first time since its inception, the Chevron Championship will be staged at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas. The par‑72 layout is a regular host of the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, offering a challenging mix of long fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that test every facet of a player’s game. The move from the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods (its 2023 venue) to Memorial Park brings the event a little further south, but the tournament’s signature traditions remain intact.
One of the most beloved customs was introduced by three‑time champion Amy Alcott in 1988, when she leapt into the lake beside the 18th green at Mission Hills to celebrate her victory. Since then, each champion has taken a celebratory plunge into a pond adjacent to the 18th green.
This year, organizers are going a step further: a temporary pool is being installed next to the 18th‑hole green at Memorial Park so the winner can continue the splash‑down tradition in a modern setting. ### How Players Qualify Entry into the Chevron Championship is highly selective, unlike the AIG Women’s Open which allows any amateur with a handicap of 0.4 or lower to compete. The field is composed of: - Past champions and former major winners who receive automatic invitations. - The top ten finishers from the previous year’s Chevron Championship.
- The leading two players from the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA of Japan Tour, and the LPGA of Korea Tour who are not otherwise exempt. - Eight of the world’s best amateur golfers, chosen based on their performances in top amateur events.
These criteria ensure that the tournament showcases the very best talent from around the globe, creating a high‑quality, fiercely competitive environment. ### Players to Watch #### Defending Champion Mao Saigo Mao Saigo enters Houston as the defending champion after clinching the 2025 title in a dramatic playoff. She will be looking to repeat her success and become the first player since the early 2000s to win back‑to‑back Chevron Championships.
#### Rising British Talent – Charley Hull and Lottie Woad Charley Hull is eager to capture her first major after missing the cut in 2025. The Englishwoman’s powerful swing and recent improvements in consistency make her a serious contender. Meanwhile, 22‑year‑old Lottie Woad has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the rankings and will be eyeing a breakthrough performance in Houston. #### In‑Form Australians – Hannah Green Australian Hannah Green has been unstoppable in early 2026, winning four of her last five starts, including the HSBC Women’s World Championship, the Women’s Australian Open, the Australian WPGA Championship, and the JM Eagle LA Championship.
Her recent form positions her as a favorite to claim the Chevron title. #### Korean Powerhouses – Hyo‑Joo Kim and Nelly Korda South Korea’s Hyo‑Joo Kim has captured consecutive victories at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship in March, demonstrating a sharp iron game and clutch putting. Nelly Korda, a former Chevron champion, has started the season strong with a win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and three runner‑up finishes, underscoring her consistency. #### Veteran Champions – Annika Sörenstam and Lexi Thompson Annika Sörenstam, a three‑time Chevron champion, remains one of the event’s most iconic figures.
Though retired, her legacy adds prestige to the tournament’s history. Lexi Thompson, who won the Chevron in 2014, will be looking to add another major to her résumé after a controversial two‑stroke penalty in 2021 that cost her a potential win.
#### Solheim Cup Implications – Anna Nordqvist Team Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist will be watching the field closely. A strong finish could bolster her case for a captain’s pick or secure automatic qualification for the September Solheim Cup, adding another layer of motivation for many European players. ### Prize Money and Financial Stakes The 2026 purse has been increased by $100,000, bringing the total to a staggering $8 million (approximately £5.91 million).
This represents a dramatic jump from the $3.1 million purse offered in 2021 and reinforces the Chevron Championship’s status as one of the most lucrative events on the LPGA calendar. The winner’s share alone will be a life‑changing sum for any golfer. ### How to Watch Live on Sky Sports Sky Sports holds exclusive broadcasting rights for all five women’s majors.
Coverage of the Chevron Championship runs from Thursday, 23 April, through Sunday, 26 April. The schedule is as follows: - **Thursday & Friday (Rounds 1 & 2):** Live from 4 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf. - **Saturday & Sunday (Final Rounds):** Live from 7 pm on Sky Sports Golf. - **Sky Sports+:** Provides additional feeds, highlights, and behind‑the‑scenes content throughout the four‑day event.
For the best viewing experience, a Chrome browser is recommended to ensure full compatibility with the video player. ### Why This Major Is a Must‑Watch Beyond the substantial purse and elite field, the Chevron Championship offers a unique blend of tradition, drama, and strategic golf.
The temporary pool at Memorial Park adds a fresh twist to the historic splash‑down celebration, while the presence of both seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers promises a dynamic leaderboard. For players aiming to secure a spot on either the European or U.S. Solheim Cup teams, a strong performance here could be pivotal. In summary, the 2026 Chevron Championship in Houston is set to deliver high‑octane golf, historic moments, and plenty of excitement for fans worldwide.
Tune in to Sky Sports to witness the season’s first women’s major unfold, and see who will add their name to the distinguished list of Chevron champions.